height TOYOTA SEQUOIA 2012 2.G User Guide

242 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Height modes
●N mode (normal mode): For ordinary driving
Normal height
● HI mode (high mode): For driving on bumpy roads
1.2 in. (30 mm) higher than the normal height
The HI mode is unavailable w hen the vehicle’s speed exceeds
18 mph (30 km/h).
When the vehicle’s speed exceed s 18 mph (30 km/h), the height
will be adjusted to the norm al height automatically.
● LO mode (low mode): For the ease of egress/ingress and load-
ing luggage
1.2 in. (30 mm) lower than the normal height
The LO mode is unavailable when the vehicle’s speed exceeds
8 mph (12 km/h).
When the vehicles speed exceed s 8 mph (12 km/h), the height
will be adjusted to the norm al height automatically.
Disabling the height control
When the height control mode
select switch is pressed, the
vehicle height is fixed at the cur-
rent height.
The height can be adjusted by
pressing the height control
switch.
When the vehicle’s speed
exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h), the
height will be adjusted to the nor-
mal height automatically.

243
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Automatic leveling function
Regardless of the number of occupants or the luggage load, vehicle height
in any mode is always adjusted to a fixed height by the automatic leveling
function.
■ When HI mode is selected
The vehicle height will change to N mode when driving at the speeds of 18
mph (30 km/h).
■ When LO mode is selected
●The vehicle height will change to N mode when vehicle speed exceeds 7
mph (12 km/h).
● This mode allows for easy access to the vehicle (getting in and out) and
easy loading and unloading.
■ The electronically modulated air suspen sion will not operate in the fol-
lowing cases:
● The underbody of the vehicle is touching the surface of the road.
● The area around the suspension is covered with ice.
The height control indicators will blink, turn off and then turn on continuously
to indicate that the electronically modulated air suspension is not opera-
tional.
To re-enable operation, turn off the engine and then restart it.
■ Even if you hear an operating noise
This does not indicate a problem in the electronically modulated air suspen-
sion.
■ If there is a problem somewhere in the electronically modulated air
suspension
The height control MAN. indicator will behave as follows:
●The indicator will not come on when the engine switch is turned on.
● The indicator will blink.
Although the vehicle may be driven, have the vehicle inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer.

244 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■The electronically modulated air susp ension must be turned off in the
following circumstances:
Otherwise, the automatic leveling function may cause the vehicle’s height to
change, and you may catch part of your body in the vehicle, resulting in an
unexpected accident:
● When driving through water such as shallow streams (Put the vehicle
height in HI mode and turn off the electronically modulated air suspension.
Drive at 18 mph [30 km/h] or slower.)
● When jacking up the vehicle, installing tire chains or tying the vehicle with
chains/wires for transportation via flat bed truck (Turn the system to the
manual mode and stop the engine.)
● When the vehicle must be towed (Put the vehicle height in N mode and
turn the system to the manual mode.)
● When the vehicle gets stuck (Turn the system to the manual mode.)
● When disconnecting a trailer (Put the vehicle height in LO mode and turn
the system to the manual mode.)
■ Selecting the correct height mode
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the vehicle, as well as dan-
gerous handling characteristics, which may lead to fatal or injury accidents.
●Before you lower the vehicle’s height, check under the vehicle to make
sure that no one is there.
● HI mode should only be used when driving on rough roads, for example
when driving off-road.
Because the vehicle’s center of gravity will become higher when in the
mode, the vehicle may become unstable when turning abruptly, resulting
in an accident.
● Do not select HI mode when you load cargo on the roof luggage carrier.
Because the vehicle’s center of gravity will become higher when in the
mode, the vehicle may become unstable when turning abruptly, resulting
in an accident.

245
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
NOTICE
■Be careful in any place where overhead space is limited.
When changing to a higher mode or after unloading, the vehicle height will
rise. This may cause damage to the vehicle.
■ Do not select LO mode when driving on bumpy roads.
If the underbody of the vehicle touches a rugged road surface, the vehicle
may be damaged.
■ Do not change the vehicle height frequently.
The compressor might overheat and cause the operation to stop.
■ When on the extremely uneven roads with rocks
Sometimes the vehicle height is not adjusted because it is judged as uneven
road driving.

261
2
When driving
2-5. Driving information
Off-road precautions
Off-road vehicle feature● Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity
than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes
this type of vehicle to be more likel y to rollover. And, utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehi-
cles.
● An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road allowing you to anticipate problems.
● It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary
passenger cars any more than lo w-slung sports cars designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-r oad conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may cause rollover.
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher
ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its
center of gravity to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of
off-road applications.

282 2-5. Driving information
Trailer Tongue Weight● A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described below.
● To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must
be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue
weight is 9% to 11%. (Tongue we ight /Gross trailer weight x 100
= 9% to 11%)
Gross trailer weight
Tongue weight
If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, return the front
axle to the same weight as before the trailer connection.
If front axle weight cannot be measured directly, measure the
front fender height above the front axle before connection.
Adjust weight distributing hitch torque until front fender is
returned to the same height as before connection.
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight
can be measured with platform scales found at a highway
weighing station, building supply company, trucking company,
junk yard, etc.

286 2-5. Driving information
Connecting and disconnecting a trailer (vehicles with
electronically modulated air suspension)
If a height control system is installed in your vehicle, you have to con-
nect and disconnect your trailer more carefully.
● Connecting
Set the height control of elec tronically modulated air suspen-
sion system to N mode.
Turn off the engine, or set the electronically modulated air
suspension system to MAN. (manual).
Connect the trailer.
Turn the engine switch to the START position and start the
engine.
Press the height control mode select switch to cancel the
MAN. (manual) condition that was set on .
Check that the MAN. indicator turns off.
Set the height control of elec tronically modulated air suspen-
sion system to N mode.
■ Service connector for towing br ake controller (with towing package)
Your vehicle is equipped with a service
connector for the trailer brake controller
as shown.
Access the service connector.
Remove the scuff plate.
Remove the clip (screw type) and trim
board.

287
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●
Disconnecting
Set the height control of elec tronically modulated air suspen-
sion system to N mode.
Set the electronically modulate d air suspension system to
MAN. (manual).
Turn off the engine.
Set the supporting leg of the trailer on the ground and raise
the hitch by 4 in. (100 mm).
Turn the engine switch to the START position and start the
engine.
Press the height control mode select switch to cancel the
MAN. (manual) condition that was set on . Check that
the MAN. indicator turns off.
Wait until vehicle height is stabilized.
Make sure the hitch is disconne cted. If the hitch does not dis-
connect, raise the hitch higher and repeat steps 2 through 7.
Move the vehicle forward in LO mode where the hitch does
not touch anything in N mode.
Set the height control of elec tronically modulated air suspen-
sion system to N mode.

291
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height
■ Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 654)
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recom-
mendation.
● All trailer lights work as required by law.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trai\
ler.
● The vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched.
Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue
weight, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, instal l rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
● Depress TOW/HAUL button (if equipped)
■ AVS (adaptive variable suspension system) (if equipped)
The suspension can be switched for improvement in driveability. ( P. 246)
No matter which class of tow hitch
applies, for a more safe trailer hookup,
the trailer ball setup must be the proper
height for the coupler on the trailer.
Coupler
Trailer ball

293
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occu\
rred
is beyond the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination.
Drive at a lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the
towing vehicle-trailer increases as speed increases.
CAUTION
■
Trailer towing precautions
●To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accor-
dance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions. Failure to
do so could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. Vehicle
stability and braking performance are affe cted by trailer stability, brake set-
ting and performance, and the hitch. Y our vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer.
● Vehicles with electronically modulated air suspension: Set the vehicle
height to the LO mode and turn off the rear height control air suspension
when you connect a trailer, otherwise the vehicle height may change due
to the automatic leveling function, and you may catch part of your body in
the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
■ To avoid accident or injury
●Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.
● If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway control device
with sufficient capacity is required.
● If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lb. (2268 kg), a weight distributing
hitch with sufficient capacity is required.
● Adjust the tongue weight within the appropriate range. Place heavier loads
as close to the trailer axle as possible.
● Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h), the posted towing speed limit or the
speed limit for your trailer as set forth in your trailer owner’s manual,
whichever is lowest. Slow down sufficiently before making a turn, in cross-
winds, on wet or slippery surface, etc. to help avoid an accident. If you
experience a vehicle-trailer instabilit y from reducing a certain speed, slow
down and make sure you keep your vehicle speed under the speed of
which you experience the instability.
● Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp turns.